Plumber

A Plumber installs, repairs and maintains piping systems, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, drainage and waste disposal. Specifically, a Plumber:

lays out, assembles, installs, maintains and repairs piping, fixtures and other components for the supply or disposal of water for any domestic or industrial purpose
connects any appliance that uses water
installs the piping for any process, including the conveyance of gas or any tubing for a pneumatic or air-handling system
reads and understands design drawings, manufacturers’ literature and installation diagrams for piping and appliances

In Ontario this trade is compulsory, which means certification or registration as an apprentice is legally required to practice the trade.

Apprenticeship program

The Plumber (306A) apprenticeship program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The program typically takes five years to complete and consists of:

8,280 hours of on-the-job training/work experience
720 hours of in-school training

On-the-job training

A Plumber apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed through this training include:

protecting self and others
communicating
reading, interpreting, creating and maintaining drawings and specifications
designing systems
planning and preparing for the project

In-school training

A Plumber apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training delivered in a classroom, which includes subjects such as:

workplace safety, rigging and hoisting
pipe and fitting materials, pipe supports and hangers
tools and piping methods
plumbing fixtures, appliances and equipment
properties of water and heat transfer